Lagos Offers Police Officers Free Transport For 3 Months

The Lagos State Government has offered police officers three months of free transportation on the state’s integrated public transportation system as part of efforts to support their welfare and recognise their contributions to maintaining peace and security.

The initiative, launched on Wednesday, provides eligible police personnel with complimentary access to major transport services across the state. ASP Aminat Mayegun, Police Public Relations Officer of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, disclosed this in a statement.

Mayegun said 2,000 Cowry Cards were formally handed over to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, Lagos, Mr Simeon Akpanudom, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, at the launch.

According to her, the cards would provide police personnel with unlimited complimentary access for three months to the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line rail services, electric water boats and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services.

She said the initiative was conceived through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation Logistics and formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Lagos Blue Line Rail.

Mayegun added that the state government had proposed a 50 per cent fare discount for police officers after the expiration of the three-month complimentary period.

“The initiative is introduced in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of police officers to peace and security in Lagos,” she said.

Speaking at the launch, Akpanudom conveyed the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of police officers.

He commended Sanwo-Olu for his continued support for police personnel serving across the state, noting that the government had also supported the Nigeria Police Force through interventions facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

Akpanudom said affordable and reliable transportation would help reduce the daily transportation burden faced by police officers who travel across the state in the course of their duties.

He added that the initiative would serve as a morale booster for personnel responsible for protecting lives and property, while also strengthening cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force.

The AIG further acknowledged other initiatives undertaken by the state government to support the police and improve the welfare of security personnel.

He also appreciated Air Peace for its continued support for the Nigeria Police Force through rebates for police officers on local and international routes, as well as special boarding preferences for police personnel.

Akpanudom urged other state governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Lagos State Government by investing in the welfare of security personnel.

He said supporting police officers was essential to strengthening their capacity to effectively discharge their responsibilities and contribute to public safety, security and good governance.

“A well-supported police workforce would be better positioned to discharge its responsibilities effectively,” Akpanudom said.